Cold vs Hot Composting

Which Is Right for Your Garden?

Jim Fellows

Composting is one of the most effective — and satisfying — ways to reduce garden and kitchen waste while giving your plants a boost. But when it comes to getting started, one big question often arises:

Should you go with cold composting or hot composting?

Both methods turn organic waste into rich, crumbly compost, but they differ in speed, effort, and outcome. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between cold and hot composting, the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which one is best for your garden, lifestyle, and composting goals.

What Is Hot Composting?

Hot composting is a method where your compost pile reaches high internal temperatures — typically between 55–70°C (130–160°F) — thanks to thermophilic (heat-loving) microbes. These temperatures help break down organic material quickly, often producing finished compost in 4 to 6 weeks with regular management.

To achieve this, you need:

A large enough compost pile (at least 1m³)
The right balance of greens (nitrogen-rich) and browns (carbon-rich)
Adequate moisture and regular turning for aeration

What Is Cold Composting?

Cold composting, sometimes called passive composting, is the “set it and forget it” approach. You simply add organic waste to a pile or bin over time and let nature do the work.

The process is much slower, typically taking 6 months to 2 years to produce usable compost. It works at ambient temperatures, relying on slower-acting microbes, worms, and insects to break everything down.

Hot vs Cold Composting: Key Differences

Feature	Hot Composting	Cold Composting
Speed	4–6 weeks	6–24 months
Temperature	55–70°C	Ambient (10–30°C)
Effort	High – requires regular turning	Low – minimal intervention
Kills weed seeds?	Yes – heat sterilises	No – seeds may survive
Breaks down meat/dairy?	Occasionally, but tricky	No – avoid adding these
Ideal for	Keen composters, allotments, large gardens	Casual composters, smaller spaces

Pros and Cons

🔥 Hot Composting

Pros:

Quick turnaround
Kills weed seeds and pathogens
Reduces volume rapidly
Produces rich, fine compost

Cons:

Requires regular monitoring and turning
Needs a larger pile to maintain heat
More labour-intensive

❄️ Cold Composting

Pros:

Very low maintenance
Great for beginners
Doesn’t need turning
Works well in small gardens

Cons:

Slow process
May not kill seeds, pests, or diseases
Can become slimy or smelly if poorly balanced

Which Composting Method Is Right for You?

Choose Hot Composting if:

You have space for a large compost heap or multiple bins
You want fast compost production for frequent use
You’re composting in spring/summer when temperatures are warmer
You enjoy the hands-on process and don’t mind turning the pile every few days

Choose Cold Composting if:

You have limited time or energy for maintenance
You want to compost kitchen scraps without fuss
You prefer a more natural, wildlife-friendly composting process
You have a smaller garden or live in a suburban area

Can You Combine Both Methods?

Absolutely! Many gardeners start a cold compost pile and occasionally boost it with hot composting techniques — like adding grass clippings or turning it during warm weather.

You can also run two systems side by side:

A cold bin for daily food waste
A hot heap for bigger seasonal clear-outs of garden debris

Whether you go hot, cold, or a bit of both, composting is a brilliant way to close the loop in your garden — turning waste into a soil-enriching resource. The right method depends on how much time, space, and energy you’re willing to invest.

At Garden-Review, we always recommend starting with what fits your lifestyle. You can always scale up later!

You Might Also Like:

What Is Hot Composting? A Fast and Efficient Way to Make Garden Gold
Beginner’s Guide to Cold Composting
Best Compost Bins for UK Gardens in 2025
Bokashi Composting: What It Is and Why It Works

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